Superstar Bryant watches swim dream team

SWIMMING: The Australian swim team had a surprise, but most welcome visitor at training Thursday afternoon in Manchester.

Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, part of the ‘2012 Dream Team’ that are also finalising their Olympic preparations in Manchester, asked team management if he could watch training and chat to the swimmers.

Bryant spent around an hour at the Manchester Aquatic Centre, out of the gaze of the normal media frenzy that follows his every move.

Bryan revealed he’d always been a fan of swimming and loved hearing about the dedication the team puts into training.

And while there were plenty lining up for autographs and photos, the NBA superstar didn’t hold back either asking Stephanie Rice to sign a swimming cap for his two daughters who are passionate about their swimming.

For Kenrick Monk, it was an experience he won’t forget in a hurry.

“I love the NBA so to see him here just relaxing and watching us was incredible,” Monk said.

“He was really down to earth and really interested in what sort of work we were putting in and how we it all fitted in to place ahead of the Olympics,” he added.

“I remember meeting Kobe in Beijing, and Roger Federer too. That’s what the Olympics are all about,” Monk declared.

The AOC is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, committed to the development of youth and sport. It is our responsibility to select, send and fund Australian Teams to the Olympic Games.

This is achieved by the support of our sponsors, contributions from the Australian Olympic Foundation (AOF), fundraising at corporate events and the backing of State and Territory Governments who donate to our Olympic Team Appeal.

The Australian Olympic Committee thanks all of our partners for their generous support of the Olympic athletes.